Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand doesn't announce itself the way the Riviera does — it takes a ride out past the black-stone cathedral to understand why bikers love this corner of France. Head west and the volcanic cones of the Chaîne des Puys rise out of the countryside one after another, with the Puy de Dôme presiding over the whole chain. Push further into the Monts Dore and the roads start climbing toward the Puy de Sancy, curling past crater lakes and ruined castles most tourists never see. This is a landscape built for two wheels, and a **motorcycle rental in Clermont-Ferrand** puts all of it within reach.

The city itself is compact but busy, and parking in the historic center can eat up more of your day than you'd like in a car. A scooter or motorcycle slips through that congestion easily. The real case for renting here, though, is what's just outside town: narrow, twisting departmental roads that climb, dip and switchback through the volcanic landscape. A car handles these routes competently; a motorcycle makes them the reason you came. If you're weighing a **scooter hire in Clermont-Ferrand** against a full-size bike, the terrain itself gives a strong nudge toward the latter once you leave the city limits.

Top 10 things to see in Clermont-Ferrand by motorcycle

1. Puy de Dôme — the region's signature volcanic summit, with panoramic views over the whole Chaîne des Puys; access by private vehicle is limited, so check current rules before riding up.
2. Chaîne des Puys (Route des Crêtes) — a UNESCO-listed volcanic chain laced with backroads linking dozens of extinct cones, the classic Auvergne ride.
3. Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption — the black volcanic-stone cathedral at the heart of the old town, a natural place to start or finish a day's ride.
4. Vulcania — a volcano-themed science park near Saint-Ours-les-Roches, an easy and popular short ride from the city.
5. Puy de Sancy — the highest point in the Massif Central, reached via scenic mountain roads through the Monts Dore.
6. Lac Pavin — a near-perfectly round crater lake near Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, tucked at the end of winding forest roads.
7. Château de Murol — a ruined medieval hilltop fortress south of the city, a favorite stop on Monts Dore routes.
8. Gorges de la Sioule — a twisting river gorge northwest of town, full of hairpins and viewpoints riders come back for.
9. Orcival and its Basilique Notre-Dame — a Romanesque pilgrimage church in a picture-perfect volcanic village.
10. Col de Guéry and the Roche Tuilière / Roche Sanadoire — a mountain pass beneath two dramatic volcanic rock spires, one of Auvergne's most photographed viewpoints.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Clermont-Ferrand?

For anything up to 125cc you'll need at least an A1 licence, or a category B car licence held for two years plus a short mandatory training course. Larger machines require category A2 (from age 18) or full category A. Rental companies in Clermont-Ferrand commonly set their own minimum age, often 21 and sometimes higher for bigger bikes. A deposit is standard, usually held by card pre-authorisation and released on undamaged return — ask your chosen company for the exact figure. If you're visiting from outside the EU, bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Clermont-Ferrand?

Expect around 25–35 EUR per day for a small-displacement scooter or motorcycle in low season, rising to 45–70 EUR per day for mid-size to larger bikes in high season. Premium or touring motorcycles can run 80 EUR and up per day at the summer peak.

• Prices climb steadily from spring, peaking in July and August.
• November through March is the cheapest and quietest stretch to book.
• Larger, newer machines are the first to sell out once summer arrives.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Clermont-Ferrand?

High season runs June through August, with late July and all of August the busiest and priciest weeks of the year. Low season stretches from November to March, when rates drop and mountain passes may still be closed by snow well into spring. For the best mix of open roads, mild weather and manageable prices, May, June and September are hard to beat — book a few weeks ahead if you want your pick of bikes for a summer trip.

Local traffic rules in Clermont-Ferrand

France drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for every rider and passenger on a motorised two-wheeler, and CE-approved gloves are a legal requirement too — France enforces this more strictly than most countries. Headlights stay on at all times, day and night. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in town, 80 km/h on rural roads without a central barrier, and 110 km/h on dual carriageways, with lower limits for riders in their first three years of licence. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, dropping to effectively zero for newly licensed riders. Keep a hi-vis vest on the bike for roadside emergencies, and remember that filtering between lanes is not generally permitted here.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!